You can’t compare apples to oranges—
So goes the old cliché. But, say I, why
Not? They’re both fruit. If determined to lunge,
Pursue truth, find images that untie,
Or sever the hard knots that strangle brains,
Disdain such clichéd rot—dank pooled hogwash
That drowns all wit, provides not light, but pain.
Compare a Fuji to a Macintosh?
Sure, when that makes sense; but apples, citrus,
And soccer balls, suggest earth’s pocked skin, core,
Shape, texture, heart. Truth’s not served by litmus
Tests, nor begrudging aptest metaphors.
True, false analogy breeds foul abuse;
Yet, both fruits drip with rich, insightful juice.
(5/12/08)